Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has announced support for a memorial and the refurbishment of the nurses training centre to mark the centenary of the deadly 1918 influenza pandemic reaching Samoas shores.
Rt Hon Winston Peters

Deputy Prime Minister
Minister of Foreign Affairs

7 November 2018
MEDIA STATEMENT

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has announced support for a memorial and the refurbishment of the nurses’ training centre to mark the centenary of the deadly 1918 influenza pandemic reaching Samoa’s shores.

“One hundred years ago the New Zealand passenger ship Talune arrived in Apia, with flu infected passengers on board. The consequences of that arrival were devastating,” Mr Peters said.

“We acknowledge that almost all Samoan families were impacted in some way by the epidemic and we respectfully join with Samoa to mark the centenary today as National Health Day.

“The day also celebrates Samoa’s nurses. We are signalling our ongoing support for health care services in Samoa with $2 million towards the refurbishment of a nurses’ training facility near the Tupua Tamasese Meaole National Hospital.